Case for carrying and storing light and moisture protected product

ABSTRACT

A case conveniently stores light and moisture barrier protected product such as photographic film. The product container of the case has affixed thereto a recloseable lid having a latching member that engages and disengages from a corresponding latching member affixed or formed on the product container. A finger release associated with the lid disengages the two latches for opening the lid and accessing the interior compartment of the product container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to U.S. Application SerialNumber ______ (Docket 83171), filed ______, by Tingey, et al., andentitled, “Package And Method Of Making Same For Storing And DisplayingProduct;” and U.S. Application Serial Number ______ (Docket 83784),filed ______, by Tingey, et al., and entitled, “Storage And DisplayPackage For Containing Light And Moisture Protected Articles Therein.”

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to the field of packaging. Moreparticularly, the invention concerns a package for storing anddisplaying product, such as photographic film product and the like, inan easily accessible and convenient case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One way to display photographic products, such as camera film,for retail sale is in a full paperboard structure, commonly called acarton. An example of such a carton is one that is described andillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,183, entitled “Carton For EnclosingAnd Displaying Articles,” by Warren et al., Dec. 12, 1995. Commonly,when such a carton is opened to gain access to the product inside, thecarton flaps are rendered useless thereafter leaving no reasonable wayto secure the unused product inside the carton. Moreover, it is wellknown that these cartons do not provide much protection from tamperingor moisture.

[0004] Another well-known practice for displaying photographic productis to enclose the product in a flexible material package that onceopened is destroyed, leaving no method to secure the unused productinside the flexible package. Single unit, hermetically sealed plasticfilm containers packed within cartons or flexible display packagesprovide physical and moisture protection but individual containers arecumbersome to handle and transport when multiple rolls of film arerequired. Additionally, in high humidity conditions, because of thehermetic seal, moisture may become entrapped in the product containerhaving exposed film therein. In the case of 35 mm film there is no meansprovided to determine the exposure status of the film. If multiple rollsof the same variety of films are sealed within individual plasticcontainers they may be mistakenly used after they have been exposed,ruining both the initial and subsequent sets of images.

[0005] Yet another method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,165, entitled“Carton For Enclosing And Displaying Articles,” by Warren et al., Dec.12, 1995, describes a single piece, molded rigid container that can beopened with one hand, can be sealed against moisture, and providesprotection from external force and heat by using air gaps provided byinternal support structures. It also includes the use of shrink-wrap asan external protection layer to ensure the “virginity” of the enclosedproduct. These techniques provide no means to indicate if any or all ofthe enclosed cartridges of photographic film have been used or arefresh, nor does it provide individual protection for the enclosed unusedcartridges. Also, the rigid container can be resealed when closed,risking entrapping high humidity and moisture with the used and freshfilm cartridges. In addition the use of shrink-wrap as an externalwrapper is a limited means to provide instructions, advertising,physical protection, and physical display options such as peg hangers.

[0006] Therefore, a need persists in the art for a package thatconveniently stores and displays product in a reusable product containeror case that protects the product from adverse consequences of light andmoisture.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a casethat can conveniently store and carry light and moisture protectedproduct in a recloseable case.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a case forstoring and carrying a product that can be reused once all or a portionof the product contained therein is used.

[0009] Still another object of the invention is to provide a case forstoring and carrying a product wrapped in a moisture and lightimpervious barrier material.

[0010] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more ofthe problems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to oneaspect of the invention, a case for storing and carrying light andmoisture protected product, comprising: a product container having aninterior compartment for containing at least one unit of producttherein, said product container further having a first latching member;a recloseable lid attached to said product container, said recloseablelid having a second latching member configured for engaging said firstlatching member in said product container; and, a finger releasestructurally associated with said recloseable lid for disengaging saidfirst latching member from said second latching member.

[0011] The present invention has numerous advantages of priordevelopments, including: it allows packaging of product in a reusablecontainer; it is both a simple and a convenient way to display and thenstore a product for later use by the consumer; it provides an easilyrecloseable product container that protects used and unused productstored therein; it will allow packaging of hermetically sealedphotographic product in a reusable container; it provides tamperresistant and tamper evident outer display package; it contains a hingedlid, secured to the bottom portion of the package; and, it has aconvenient case carrying member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing as well as other objects, features and advantagesof this invention will become more apparent from the appended Figures,wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a front view of a photographic product in a travel caseand display package;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a photographic product in a travelcase and display package;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of an unopened, unused, andunexposed photographic product in a travel case and display package;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of an unopened, unused, andunexposed photographic product in a closed travel case with displaypackage removed and discarded;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view of an unused and unexposedphotographic product in an opened travel case, with the barrier layerwrap intact;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a side, cross-sectional view of an unused, and unexposedphotographic product without the travel case and with the barrier layerwrap intact;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a side, cross-sectional view of a used and exposedphotographic product in an opened travel case and with the barrier layerwrap removed and discarded;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view of a used and exposedphotographic product in a closed travel case and with the barrier layerwrap removed and discarded;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a closed travel case with thedisplay package removed and discarded;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an opened travel case with threeunused and unexposed photographic products with the barrier layer wrapsintact;

[0023]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an opened travel case with twounused and unexposed photographic products with the barrier layer wrapsintact, and one used and exposed photographic product with the barrierlayer wrap removed and discarded;

[0024]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an opened travel case, three usedand exposed photographic products with the barrier layer wraps removedand discarded;

[0025]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a travel case with an integratedlanyard and an attached wrist strap;

[0026]FIG. 14 is a side view of a travel case with an integrated beltclip;

[0027]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a separator insert; and,

[0028]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an opened travel case with aseparator insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Turning now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-3, thepackage 10 of the invention for storing and displaying a product, suchas light and moisture barrier protected photographic film product, isillustrated. According to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, package 10, broadlydefined, has a display member 12, a reusable product container or travelcase 20 (hereinafter referred to as “case”), and a plastic shell 30,attachable to display member 12, that envelops the case 20.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, display member 12, more particularly,includes a front layer 14 and a rear layer 16. As seen in FIG. 3, frontlayer 14 partially overlaps rear layer 16 and forms a closely spaced gap18 therebetween. Front layer 14 and rear layer 16 of display member 12are preferably constructed of a paperboard stock material, althoughother materials, such as a wide array of plastics, may be used.According to FIG. 3, front layer 14 and rear layer 16 are designed totrap first and second extended flange portions 30 a, 30 b, respectively,of plastic shell 30 in gap 18. Moreover, front layer 14 and rear layer16 may be used for assembly, graphics call-outs, instructions, andretail display (not shown). Front and rear layers 14, 16 are attachedtogether with any appropriate heat activated or pressure sensitiveadhesive, or mechanical fasteners such as staples (not shown). Althoughvarious means may be used to display package 10, we prefer utilizing adisplay lanyard cut through paperboard and plastic sections to form athrough-opening to facilitate retail display by providing a means tohang the package from a hook, pegboard or the like. According to FIG. 2,during assembly of package 10, reusable case 20 is inserted into plasticshell 30 having first and second extended flange portions 30 a, 30 b.First and second extended flange portions 30 a, 30 b of plastic shell 30are then snugly sandwiched or trapped between gap 18 formed byoverlapping panel front and rear layers 14, 16.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, transparent plastic shell 30 may beconstructed from a range of clear or semi-clear transparent materials.We prefer constructing plastic shell 30 from PVC or PET. Skilledartisans will appreciate that other materials, such as polyester,acrylic, etc., may also be used to construct plastic shell 30. In ourpreferred embodiment of the invention, plastic shell 30 is shaped toconform to the case 20 by either vacuum-forming or molding, depending onthe material selected.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, 7-14, and 16, case 20 is sealed withindisplay package 10, as described above. As indicated above, plasticshell 30 encompasses rigid, reusable case 20 containing, for instance,unused photographic product 100. Case 20 is preferably constructed ofHDPE although other materials, such as polypropylene, could be used. Inpractice, case 20 may contain one or more rolls of unused photographicproduct 100. Moreover, case 20 could be transparent, or opaque, oropaque with a transparent viewing window (not shown). Additionally, case20 can be manufactured so that brand identification, logos, instruction,and the like, are permanently imbedded in plastic case material.

[0033] According to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of an unopened,unused, and unexposed photographic product 100, sealed within barrierwrap 130 is illustrated. Unused photographic product 100 is shown storedinside case 20 that is mounted for display in package 10. As indicated,display member 12 of package 10 has a front layer 14 and a partiallyoverlapped rear layer 16 which could be a single hingeably attachedpaperboard portion (not shown) or two separate layers 14, 16, as shown.The inside portion of the display member may contain a coating, e.g., athermal adhesive or thermal resin, that may be activated by heat orpressure or the entire assembly could be attached with a mechanicalfastener such as a staple (not shown). As indicated, gap 18 betweenoverlapping front and rear layers 14, 16 traps or “sandwiches” theextended flange portions 30 a, 30 b of plastic shell 30 with the case 20inside the shell 30.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, typically, unused photographicproduct 100, such as a film roll, requires a flexible barrier wrapmaterial 70 or container around the unused photographic product 100 toprovide physical protection and a seal portion or “hermetic seal” 72 toprovide barrier property protection to prevent high humidity andmoisture from contacting the unused photographic product 100. Case 20 isbest used to accommodate product that is hermetically sealed andprotected from light and moisture exposure. This is generallyaccomplished by providing a product 100 to be packaged in the package 10of the invention that is hermetically sealed, such as by sealingindividual rolls of unused photographic product 100 with a flexiblebarrier wrap material 70. This flexible barrier wrap material 70 maycomprise a heat sealed aluminized thermoplastic or similar material.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 4-8, in a preferred embodiment of theinvention, case 20 has a top cover 52 and bottom section 54 connected byhinge 56 that would allow opening and re-closing. Hinge 56 may be of theheat and pressure variety commonly known as a “living hinge” or aconventional mechanical hinge (not shown). Secure closure isaccomplished by the mechanical engagement of bottom latching interfaceedge 60 and top cover latching interface 62. Case 20 is opened withfinger latch release 64. These features allow product contained in case20, such as unused photographic product 100 to be removed, as well asunused product to be securely enclosed in the case 20 once there-closure is engaged. Case 20 is intended to be used as a “travelcase,” allowing the consumer to remove one roll of film, securing theremaining rolls within the case 20 using the top cover 52, hinge 56,bottom latching interface edge 60, and the top cover latching interface62 as the re-closing features.

[0036]FIG. 4 depicts closed case 20 with the enclosed unusedphotographic product 100 with barrier wrap material 70. Closed case 20provides stylish, ergonomic, and convenient containment and protectionfor photographic products and is designed to fit into a purse or travelbag. Each roll of unused photographic product 100 is individually sealedwith a barrier wrap material 70. Individual wrapped product allows theremoval and opening of one roll of photographic product while theremaining rolls are securely wrapped and hermetically sealed. Thisfeature also serves as a usage indicator for photographic products, like35 mm film, that do not include an integrated usage indicator. The lackof flexible barrier wrap material 70 on rolls of film in the travel caseprovides a clear indication of usage. Some photographic products, like24 mm Advance Photo System□ and 110 films, include an integrated usageindicator but do benefit from individual hermetic seals. In addition,the barrier wrap material 70 can contain printed information, not shown,indicating the properties of the contents such as film type and filmspeed.

[0037]FIG. 5 depicts opened case 20 with an enclosed unused photographicproduct 100 in barrier wrap material 70 with seal portion 72. Openedcase 20 consists of case top cover 52, case bottom section 54, andtravel case “living” hinge 56 which may be molded as an integral part ofthe case 20. Applying an upward pressure to finger latch release 64opens case 20. This action releases the top cover section latchinginterface 62 from bottom latching interface edge 60. Case top cover 52remains attached to case bottom section 54 via flexible case hinge 56.

[0038]FIG. 6 depicts unused photographic product 100 in barrier layerwrap 70 having seal portion 72. The unused photographic product 100 isenclosed in a barrier wrap material 70 and hermetically sealed viabarrier layer seal 72. In one embodiment, barrier wrap material 70 is asheet of aluminized thermoplastic with the seal portion 72 created withheat and pressure. Other suitable barrier layer materials and sealingtechniques can be used.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 7, a used photographic product 110 has beenplaced in case 20. The lack of barrier wrap material 70 provides a clearindication that the photographic product 110 has been used and is beingstored in case 20 for future processing.

[0040]FIG. 8 depicts a used photographic product 110 that has beenplaced in case 20. Case 20 has been closed to contain and protect usedphotographic product 110 until it is submitted to a photo-processing labfor photo development.

[0041]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a closed case 20 designed to holdthree (3) articles, such as three (3) rolls of 24 mm IX film. It isunderstood that the case 20 can be designed to hold more or fewer rollsof film or other photographic products and formats.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 10, an opened case 20 containing unusedphotographic products 100 in sealed barrier wrap material 70. Case 20has all the same features as described above for protecting the productfrom moisture and vapor.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 11, a perspective view of an opened case 20containing two (2) unused photographic products 100 in sealed barrierwrap material 70 and one (1) used photographic product 110. Theflexibility of case 20 for containing product in various states of useis illustrated.

[0044]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an opened case 20 containingthree (3) used photographic products 110. The case 20 provides utilityby conveniently carrying multiple rolls of unused film to a “picturetaking event” such as a party or a vacation, or for transporting usedfilm to a photo-processing lab.

[0045] Turning now to FIG. 13, a perspective view of case 20 with anoptional integrated lanyard 180 and attached wrist strap 190 isillustrated. The integrated lanyard 180 may be molded as part of thecase 20 or attached with adhesives or screws (not shown).

[0046]FIG. 14 is a side view of case 20 with optional integrated beltclip 200. The integrated belt clip 200 may be molded as part of the case20 or attached with adhesives or screws. Belt clip 200 must beconfigured not to interfere with the operation of case top cover 52 foropening and closing case 20. Belt clip 200 can be used to secure thecase 20 to a belt, camera strap, or windshield visor.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a separator insert 210 forisolating and maintaining product contained in case 20 is illustrated.Separator insert 210 may be used to maintain the position of theenclosed photographic products, 100, 110, and can also includeinstructions, coupons, and the like (not shown). In addition, separator210 can be impregnated with a moisture absorbing, desiccant materialsuch as silica gel, activated alumina, activated clay and the like.According to FIG. 16, a perspective view of separator insert 210installed in case 20 is depicted. As shown, separator insert 210primarily maintains the position of photographic products 100, 110stored in case 20.

[0048] The invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that a person ofordinary skill in the art can effect variations and modificationswithout departing from the scope of the invention.

Parts List

[0049]10 package

[0050]12 display member

[0051]14 front layer of display member 12

[0052]16 rear layer of display member 12

[0053]18 gap between overlapping front and rear layers

[0054]20 reusable product container or travel case

[0055]30 plastic shell

[0056]30 a first extended flange portion

[0057]30 b second extended flange portion

[0058]52 top cover of case 20

[0059]54 bottom section of case 20

[0060]56 hinge of case 20

[0061]60 bottom latching interface edge

[0062]62 top cover latching interface edge

[0063]64 finger latch release

[0064]70 flexible barrier wrap material

[0065]72 seal portion or hermetic seal

[0066]100 unused photographic product

[0067]110 used photographic product

[0068]130 barrier wrap

[0069]180 integrated lanyard

[0070]190 wrist strap

[0071]200 belt clip

[0072]210 separator insert

What is claimed is:
 1. A case for storing and carrying light andmoisture protected product, comprising: a product container having aninterior compartment for containing at least one unit of producttherein, said product container further having a first latching member;a recloseable lid attached to said product container, said recloseablelid having a second latching member configured for engaging said firstlatching member in said product container; and, a finger releasestructurally associated with said recloseable lid for disengaging saidfirst latching member from said second latching member.
 2. The caserecited in claim 1 wherein said product container and said recloseablelid each comprises a high density polyethylene material.
 3. The caserecited in claim 1 wherein said first latching member is a notch formedin a top edge exterior portion of said product container and said secondlatching member is a protruding lip configured for engaging said notch.4. The case recited in claim 3 wherein said protruding lip furtherincludes a finger latch release for disengaging said protruding lip fromsaid notch.
 5. The case recited in claim 1 further including a carryingstrap attached to an exterior portion of said product container.
 6. Thecase recited in claim 5 wherein said carrying strap is molded to saidexterior portion of said product container.
 7. The case recited in claim1 further comprising a clip affixed to an exterior portion of saidproduct container.
 8. The case recited in claim 1 further containing aproduct partition removably arranged in said interior compartment forseparating an individual product.
 9. The case recited in claim 1 whereinsaid recloseable lid is hingably attached to said product container. 10.The case recited in claim 8 wherein said product partition is made of aflexible paperboard material.